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Pine walls without trim or moldings are similar to running shoes without laces; they appear sloppy and incomplete. But trim not only neatens walls around the edges, its color also helps you create or maintain a style direction. Choose from a variety of molding hues, depending on the vibe that you are after.

When White Seems Right

Pine tends to darken as it ages. Skirting pine walls with pure white or off-white trim is the basis of an airier atmosphere. Tie dark, old cabinets and built-in shelving to trim with a few coats of white paint. Incorporate additional white elements, from accessories to window treatments to furniture, for an even lighter, brighter look.

Deep, Dark Drama

When you are after a dark, sultry, Old-World-men’s-club setting, go with saturated burgundy, navy, gray-brown or even black trim to match geometric patterns on beefy chairs and heavy drapery fabrics. Masculine design is not just for men, incidentally; many women prefer its simplicity and understated elegance to feminine floral prints and pastels.

A Place for Pastels

Pastel trim speaks in a shabby-chic tongue. Pair pastel green, pink or lavender with pine’s muted golden-yellow striae for a look that communicates fluently. But be prepared; the pairing is a daring one that only works in the home with plenty of unusual pastel accessories and furnishings, such as a coral couch with minty cushions, petal-pink bathroom fixtures or pale-turquoise appliances.

The Goods on Wood on Wood

The layered look of pine walls with pine trim has its place in decor. That place is in the rustic- or cottage-style home. And the wider the trim, the more pronounced the effect. Go all-out earthy with river rock accents, faux-fur pillows and rugs, and of course, various wood species throughout.

About the Author

Lorna Hordos has owned a home-flipping business for more than two decades. She uses her construction and interior design experience to write friendly, conversational home and lifestyle articles for Daltile, Marazzi, Lowes and numerous other publications. She also enjoys writing for children, and has been featured on the cover of Humpty Dumpty magazine.